Introductory Meeting VRHS Rm. 501 September 11, Franco-American Exchange Program

Overall Purpose of Exchange To provide students currently studying French a two- year language enrichment opportunity To provide students an inside view of French culture To provide a two-week home-stay with a French family: greatest challenge, but greatest reward To provide a student from France studying English a similar home-stay here in Georgia To share your French friend with your family and community; repaying your host’s hospitality

Other Rewards Possibilities for life-long friendships Learn how to travel safely and confidently abroad Experience first-hand much of the history, art and music that you have learned about in other classes Try new foods, experience life from a new perspective Possibility of a Paris visit

Our Destination

France

Map of Alsace-Lorraine

Our first exchange – a small beginning This is the Administration Building of the Mendès- France High School Epinal, France

Mendès-France Campus

A typical school cafeteria?

Hmmm…French fast food..

A typical home of the region Our students will be matched with students from our host school. They will correspond with each other throughout the two-year exchange.

Typical Itinerary Depart Atlanta, Sunday, May 31, 2015 Arrive Paris Monday, June 1 Bus to Epinal Students will be picked up by families Students will attend school with their hosts Some days we will take excursions. Return to Paris Depart June 14, 2015 Excursions will include: TheLorraine region: Discovery of Epinal, Nancy, St. Dié, Domrémy(Joan of Arc’s birthplace), Grand (Roman amphitheatre and Mosaic) There is also the possibility of a two-three day stay in Paris at an extra cost.

Budget: “How much does it cost?” A combination of individual and shared expenses Shared expenses will be split evenly between participants $25 application fee Total cost will be split into 8 monthly payments Trip cost DOES NOT include: passport fees, pocket money, or gifts to host families

2012 Trip Expenses Seven participants Total per participant $2670 $353 per monthly installment Total cost included: airfare, ground transportation, daily excursions, three -day Paris extension, chaperones, insurance Personal Expenses: o Passport Book (Age 16 & Older) $135 or o Passport Book (Under Age 16) $85 o Spending money- approximately $300 o Gifts for host family $50

How do I Apply? Complete the Host Information Form Agree to the Conditions of Participation Complete the two release forms-one for France and one for VRHS Turn in to Mrs. Miller by: Tuesday, September 23, 2014, along with $25 fee

When will I know if I have been accepted? You will be notified by September 25 if you have been accepted into the program. Once you are accepted, you and your parents will need to attend the Oct 2 Parent Organizational Meeting at 7:00 pm. At that time, we will verify that the trip is set, we will organize payment due dates, look at travel supplies and suitcase issues, etc. Parents and students will meet again in April to finalize details.

Student Meetings Attendance is required by all participants. We will meet monthly at the school, on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 till 4:00 pm. These meetings will: -provide you with necessary skills for safe traveling. -give you the background knowledge to appreciate what you will be experiencing. -show me your reliability, responsibility and interest. -build group cohesion.

Questions? We hope to have you join us on our journey into a new world of international fun, friendship and learning… There’s nothing quite like home-made blueberry pie at a guest house high in the Vosges mountains!